Back on American soil for the first time in nine months, Reed Donovan is ready to blow off some steam. The beauty he spots at the local bar not only catches his eye, she snags him by the balls when she announces she’s always fantasized about having sex with a stranger—a fantasy he is more than willing to help come true.

Explosive fireworks over, Francesca rebuffs his invitation to dinner. While the sparks may fly between them physically, she doesn’t believe they could spend more than a few minutes in the same room without arguing. Her suspicions prove correct when Francesca reports for her new position the next morning—and discovers she’s been hired as Reed’s new marketing partner.

When Reed and Francesca immediately begin butting heads about future pitches to prospective clients, Reed proposes a bet. For the next three presentations, they’ll both make a pitch. Whoever wins the campaign also wins a fantasy.

The competition is fierce—and hot. And the hotter it gets, the closer they come to the brink of something they never intended…or expected.

Frankie Carlyle knows what she wants: success in the business world. She fought her way to the top of her field, and for her birthday, she decides to give herself a special gift: a one-night stand with a nameless stranger. She starts her new job tomorrow, but tonight it’s all about her desire.

Reed Donovan is convinced his boss, and uncle, has lost confidence in his abilities. Why else would he have sent Reed to London for the past nine months, causing the firm to lose a prime contract to a competitor when Reed’s partner failed to live up to expectations? When Reed spies the gorgeous but aloof woman at the bar of his cousin’s place, he decides what he needs is to blow off some steam with her. Nameless hot sex is his goal, and he has his way with her out behind the bar.

But in the light of day, Reed discovers that his uncle, CEO of The Donovan Group, has hired a new partner for him-none other than the sharp young pup who stole the last contract out from under their noses. Imagine the surprise when Reed and Frankie come face to face in Brian’s office. Can these two set aside their differences and work together? Will the wager they make backfire on both of them? Can Reed convince Frankie that love doesn’t have to mean losing all control?

Mari Carr has a marvelous sense of romance. She looks at things with a unique eye toward fun and love and passion, and this story is a treat to read. The characters here are both strong and determined people, sure of themselves and their abilities, but with that one little bit inside where they each have doubts of one kind or another. The pace of this one is fantastic, and I could not put it down.

Frankie is an independent woman. She has worked hard to get where she is, and she refuses to become just another ‘little woman’. She’s watched her mother bow to her father’s wishes all her life, and vows that will not happen to her. I enjoyed watching her give as good as she got, and loved her ‘take no prisoners’ attitude. She is smart, talented and doesn’t take guff from anyone. I loved that she was willing to take chances, and wasn’t afraid to try new things.

Reed is a fantastic character. He is strong, intelligent and determined to win, no matter what. I liked that he recognized in Frankie many of his own strengths and ideals. I also loved when he recognized that he couldn’t win Frankie like he would other women, and so came up with something they could both live with. The inner doubts he had make him more vulnerable, and I loved it when he discovered what he was willing to do to keep Frankie.

This is a very hot and steamy book, as most of Mari Carr’s books tend to be. But there is a sense of humor behind it and the passion and heat are, as always, tempered with humor and romance. The wager becomes less about who will win, and more about discovering who these two are, deep inside. The ending was all I could have hoped for, and I recommend this one whole-heartedly to all.

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~ Stockholm Surrender

~ Trouble In Thigh High Boots

# Blood of Luna

~ Skye High

~ Climbing Her Tower

# Ava's Pleasure

* Shadow of the Wolf

^ Seduction of My Proper Wife

My Immortal

Believe

Blue Light Special

Shut Up and Kiss Me

~ Teacher Her Manners (Sizzler)

^ Blood of Luna

Love Beyond Sight

The Crawford Boys Series

Turkish Delights

Shut Up & Kiss Me

Fire Woman

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star -- At this time, we at Whipped Cream do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars -- Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy- and never check out again.

3 Stars -- Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars-- Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review this book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars -- Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

WC Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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